The accumulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the body can interfere with hormone function in women who regularly use hair relaxers.
According to a study by Silent Spring Institute, hair relaxers marketed to Black women contain higher amounts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, as their hair is more difficult to straighten. In fact, Black women are potentially exposed to dozens of toxic chemicals through the hair products they use, especially hair relaxers. Researchers found that hair relaxers marketed at children had the highest levels of five chemicals prohibited in the EU or regulated under Proposition 65.
The reason why people are unaware of the presence of these dangerous chemicals in hair relaxers is the FDA's permissive attitude, as cosmetic companies do not have to submit safety data to the agency, but it is against the law for these manufacturers to include harmful ingredients in their products. When it comes to the chemicals in hair relaxers, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1966 is disregarded. According to it, cosmetic products should be labeled to disclose all their contents so that consumers will not be deceived about their ingredients.
These are just some of the harmful chemicals that might lurk in popular brands of hair relaxers and their health effects:
- Formaldehyde: This is a common additive in hair relaxers, and it is also released as a byproduct of chemical reactions. When it is listed on the label, it can be found under the name "formalin" or "methylene glycol", but it is usually omitted altogether. Formaldehyde is a highly toxic chemical that has a definitive link to cancer. It is best known as the substance found in embalming fluid. Inhaling formaldehyde gas can result in respiratory problems, headaches, and burns. Exposure to formaldehyde has a strong connection to uterine cancer.
- Parabens: In addition to causing skin irritation, parabens can disrupt hormones and impact fertility and reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase cancer risk. Some of the most common and dangerous parabens in hair relaxers are butylparaben, methylparaben, isobutylparaben, and ethylparaben. These chemicals also disrupt the endocrine system, which can lead to endometriosis. However, exposure to parabens is not linked to cancer.
- Sodium hydroxide: Commonly known as lye, sodium hydroxide is a caustic substance that can easily cause burns to the scalp if present in hair relaxers. Regular exposure is associated with breast cancer, although the chemical has not been classified for carcinogenicity yet. Skin contact with very high concentrations of sodium hydroxide may result in dermatitis and severe burns. It can cause permanent damage to any tissue it comes in contact with.
- Guanidine carbonate: This is another chemical that can cause skin irritation if present in high amounts in hair strengthening products. Guanidine carbonate, a raw material used in cosmetics, detergents, and textiles, might be responsible for reproductive toxicity and cancer, but more research needs to be conducted to determine a definitive link.
- Ammonium thioglycolate: While ammonium thioglycolate is typically used in perming hair, it can also be one of the ingredients in chemical hair relaxers. It is only slightly toxic in acute single dermal exposures. Still, if present in high concentrations in hair relaxers, it may cause sensitivity dermatitis of the scalp with edema, subcutaneous lesions, burns, rashes, and itching. In severe cases, exposure can result in central nervous system depression, convulsions, or shortness of breath. Ammonium thioglycolate is corrosive and can even induce systemic toxicity.
- Dimethyl sulfoxide: Some of the health effects of dimethyl sulfoxide exposure are skin reactions, headache, dizziness, nausea, dry skin, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, breathing problems, and allergic reactions. When present in a concentration higher than 10% in hair relaxers, this solvent might lead to cellular toxicity.
- Phthalates: Another class of toxic chemicals present in hair relaxers is phthalates. They are a form of plasticizer, used to increase the flexibility and durability of cosmetic products. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the hormonal system. A highly dangerous phthalate is di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP). It is a probable carcinogen that might be responsible for endometriosis, reproductive problems, infertility, and various malignancies. Phthalates are used in hair relaxers as solvents and can also cause liver, kidney, and lung damage. Exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy is extremely harmful, as it can impact child growth and development.
- Bisphenol A: Exposure to bisphenol A is a concern because of the potential health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants, and children. It can also affect children's behavior. This chemical might be responsible for hormone-associated cancers since it can mimic estrogen to interact with estrogen receptors, leading to changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis, or migration and eventually contributing to cancer development.
It is important to keep in mind that, for now, research only hints at a probable link between chemical hair relaxer use and hormone-sensitive cancers. Therefore, it is not clear yet if these products cause health problems, and more research is necessary to determine whether chemicals in hair strengthening products are responsible for cancer. However, if you are a woman who has frequently been using hair relaxers and struggle with uterine cancer (endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma) or ovarian cancer, we strongly encourage you to get in touch with our resourceful legal team. We will efficiently help you determine if you are eligible to file a toxic hair relaxer claim.
